ich
/ɪç/
The German word ich means "I" in English.
The word ich is the first-person singular pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves. For example, you can use the phrase Ich bin to say "I am" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the pronoun changes depending on its role in a sentence. When the pronoun is the direct object, it changes to mich (accusative case). When it is the indirect object, it changes to mir (dative case). To express possession, the derived adjective mein is used to mean "my".
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç/
Did you know?
- The German word ich is an ancient relative of the English word 'I' and the Latin word 'ego', as both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- The pronunciation of ich involves a sound called the 'ich-laut', which is distinct from the 'ach-laut' used in words like Bach.
- In some contexts, Germans may avoid using ich by using the passive voice or impersonal constructions to sound more objective or humble.
Examples in context
- Ich bin der neue Mitarbeiter.I am the new employee.
- Ich möchte ein Glas Wasser, bitte.I would like a glass of water, please.
- Ich bin sehr müde.I am very tired.
- Ich habe Hunger.I am hungry.
- Ich komme aus Deutschland.I come from Germany.
- Wo wohne ich?Where do I live?
- Wie alt bin ich?How old am I?
- Was kann ich für dich tun?What can I do for you?
- Warum bin ich hier?Why am I here?
- Ich bin müde.I am tired.
- Das weiß ich nicht.I don't know that.
- Ich komme aus Berlin.I come from Berlin.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- LukasIch habe Hunger.I am hungry.
- LauraIch auch! Was essen wir?Me too! What are we eating?
- LukasIch möchte eine Pizza bestellen.I want to order a pizza.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
